#177: A Century of Newspapers: The Small Family's Legacy in Kankakee

In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, Jake sits down with local historian and guest Jack Klasey to explore the captivating history of Kankakee's newspapers. From the rise and fall of several local papers to the deeply rooted legacy of the Small family, whose involvement spanned four generations, they delve into what made these publications the heartbeat of the community.

Jack Klasey shares fascinating tales, including how he was the first to uncover the harrowing news of JFK's assassination in Kankakee and the whirlwind experience in the newsroom that followed. They discuss the significance of the Kankakee Daily Republican building, constructed in the 1920s, and how the landscape has changed, from newspapers to podcast studios and art spaces.

We learn about Leslie Small, who turned around the struggling publication and increased circulation dramatically, and the poignant story of the Small family's influence over the decades. Klasey also reminisces about his early days at the newspaper, the shifting role of print media, and the challenges faced by newspapers today.

Join us as we dive into the intricate tapestry of Kankakee's journalistic history and the Small family's indelible impact on the area. Klasey reveals how, despite the changing times, the essence of local news continues to persevere.

As always, we encourage you to visit the Kankakee County Museum's website and social media for updates on upcoming events like the 46th Annual Gallery of Trees and the No Place Like Home for the Holidays event. This episode is brought to you by our sponsors, including Chicago Dough Company and Noble Dairy Queen Stores. Produced by Pathfinder and featuring our theme song by Lupe Carol, tune in to get a dose of local history with the Kankakee Podcast.

Don't miss this engrossing journey into the past, and remember to subscribe and follow us on social media for more captivating stories from Kankakee!